Infant carrier

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for manufacturing an apparatus for carrying an object in front of the body are described. Embodiments of the apparatus may include a carrier part configured to support and secure the object adjacent to a front portion of a user&#39;s abdomen, a substantially rigid back part configured to support the carrier part by transferring weight from the carrier part to a lower back of the user, wherein the back part comprises extended portions configured to rise above the user&#39;s shoulders, and one or more shoulder straps configured to transfer weight from the carrier part to one or more corresponding attachment points on the extended portions above the user&#39;s shoulders.

BACKGROUND

The following relates generally to a carrying apparatus, and more specifically to an apparatus for carrying an object in front of the body.

A variety of devices are used to aid in carrying objects. For example, many people with infants use carriers to hold the infant against their body while retaining mobility. However, many carriers distribute weight on the wearer's body in a way that is uncomfortable or that can cause pain or discomfort after long periods of use. Therefore, there is a need in the art for carrier devices that can distribute the weight of the carried object in a manner that reduces the amount of pain caused to the wearer.

SUMMARY

An apparatus and method for manufacturing an apparatus for carrying an object in front of the body are described. Embodiments of the apparatus may include a carrier part configured to support and secure the object adjacent to a front portion of a user's abdomen, a substantially rigid back part configured to support the carrier part by transferring weight from the carrier part to a lower back of the user, wherein the back part comprises extended portions configured to rise above the user's shoulders, and one or more shoulder straps configured to transfer weight from the carrier part to one or more corresponding attachment points on the extended portions above the user's shoulders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a front view of a carrying apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a side view of a carrying apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a rear view of a carrying apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a front view of a back part of a carrying apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a back view of a back part of a carrying apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a front view of a carrier part of a carrying apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a back view of a carrier part of a carrying apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a process for manufacturing a carrying apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a carrying apparatus for carrying an object such as an infant. Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus for carrying an infant in front of the user's body (i.e., near the chest or stomach).

Conventional carriers often distribute weight to the wearers body in a way that can cause pain or even damage to the neck or back due to the manner in which the weight is distributed onto the body. Some backpacks include rigid back plates that help distribute weight through the backpack to the hips. However, devices designed to carry weight in front of the body generally rely on shoulder straps that rest on the user's shoulders. Thus, the weight is distributed to the shoulders rather than to the hips, which can cause pain or permanent damage.

Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure describe a carrier configured to distribute weight from an object such as an infant that is carried in front of the body to a rigid back plate that extends above the shoulder. Since the shoulder straps attach to a point on the rigid back plate that is located above the user's shoulders, the weight can be lifted off the shoulders and transferred into the rigid back plate and then onto the hips. In some examples, the weight is transferred through a waist belt that rests just above the trochanter of the hips, onto the ilia bones.

By lifting the weight of the object off of the shoulders and into the rigid back plate, a user may carry an object for longer periods of time without experiencing pain or damage to the back.

According to various embodiments, an adult frame may include: a padded waist belt primarily that sits on ilia (top of pelvis) dispersing weight across the sacroiliac joint; adjustable lumbar support on a rigid frame; an adjustable height of the rigid frame to fit most adult sizes; a top of the frame that takes the load off of the adult's shoulders as the frame is adjusted to extend above the height of shoulders; a top of the frame that attaches to padded straps that sit against front of carrier's shoulders and chest but avoids pressure or loading to the tops of carrier's shoulders; straps and height of the frame designed to explicitly minimize load to the carrier's neck; and a metal hinge that opens as a stand to set carrier down.

Embodiments may also include a child carrier supported by the frame with an ergonomic seat to account for infant hips in a spread-squat position and evenly distributes weight; a head support in the back and sides with soft padding on the inside; an infant bottom seat that adjusts as baby becomes toddler; a back of the child carrier height and width that adjusts as the baby becomes toddler; a configuration where the infant can face inward, outward or be converted to back pack carrier; and an adjustable foot rest that easily sets up when in back pack mode. Accessories may include mesh pockets on side for phone, water bottles, zippered pocket in back for baby and personal items, zippered pockets on either sides of waist belt, and an additional cover (e.g., of nylon) that attaches to frame to keep child dry.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a front view of a carrying apparatus 105 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The example shown includes user 100 wearing the carrying apparatus 105. Carrying apparatus 105 may include back part 110, carrier part 115, shoulder straps 120, and waist belt 125. Carrying apparatus 105 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Back part 110 may be configured to support the carrier part 115 by transferring weight from the carrier part 115 to a lower back of the user 100, wherein the back part 110 comprises extended portions configured to rise above the user 100's shoulders. In some examples, the back part 110 includes an adjustable lumbar support. In some examples, the back part 110 is adjustable to match a height or back size of the user 100. In some examples, the back part 110 is ergonomically curved.

In some examples, the back part 110 includes a neck gap between the extended portions (i.e., behind the neck of the user 100) to prevent the weight from the carrier from being transferred to the user 100's neck or shoulders and to enable a greater range of motion for the user's head. Back part 110 may also be configured to support additional items such as a water bottle. Back part 110 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 2-5.

Carrier part 115 may be configured to support and secure the object adjacent to a front portion of a user 100's abdomen. In some examples, the carrier part 115 includes a flexible material configured to wrap around at least two sides of the object. In some examples, the carrier part 115 includes an ergonomic seat configured to support legs of an infant in a spread squat position. In some examples, the carrier part 115 includes soft interior padding. In some examples, the carrier part 115 includes a head support portion configured to prevent movement of an infant supported by the carrier part 115.

In some examples, the carrier part 115 is adjustable to account for different sizes of the object. In some examples, the carrier part 115 is adjustable to a back-carrying position (not shown), which is configured to secure and support the object adjacent to the user 100's back, and where the back part 110 is located between the carrier part 115 and the user 100's back in the back-carrying position. Carrier part 115 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 2, 6, and 7.

Shoulder straps 120 may be configured to transfer weight from the carrier part 115 to one or more corresponding attachment points on the extended portions above the user 100's shoulders. In some examples, the one or more shoulder straps 120 are configured to transfer the weight from the carrier above the shoulders of the user 100 such that the weight from the carrier does not substantially rest on the shoulders of the user 100. Shoulder straps 120 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 2, and 4-7.

Waist belt 125 may be attached to the back part 110, and may be configured to transfer weight from the back part 110 onto the hips of the user 100 (e.g., just above the trochanter of the hips, or onto the ilia). Waist belt 125 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 2-5.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a side view of a carrying apparatus 205 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The example shown includes user 200 and carrying apparatus 205. According to various embodiments, shoulders straps 220 may be attached to a back part 210 at attachment points located above the shoulders of the user 200 in a manner that enables weight from an object being carried in the carrier part 210 to be transferred above the shoulders, through the back part 210 and onto or just above the hips of the user 200 via the waist belt 225.

This is distinct from conventional carriers in which the weight is transferred from the object being carried in front of the body into shoulder straps that transfer weight directly on the shoulders of the user 200. FIG. 2 also shows how the back part 210 may be ergonomically curved to fit the shape of a user's back. In some cases, adjustable padding may be used to ensure that the back part conforms to the shape of the back. The back part 210 may also be adjustable in size.

Carrying apparatus 205 may include back part 210, carrier part 215, shoulder straps 220, and waist belt 225. Carrying apparatus 205 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.

Back part 210 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1, and 3-5. Carrier part 215 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7. Shoulder straps 220 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1, and 4-7. Waist belt 225 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1, and 3-5.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a rear view of a carrying apparatus 305 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The example shown includes user 300 and carrying apparatus 305. FIG. 3 clearly illustrates how the rigid back plate extends well above the shoulders of the user 300 so that weight may be transferred from an object being carried in front of the user 300 over the shoulders and into the rigid back plate.

Carrying apparatus 305 may include back part 310 and waist belt 315. Carrying apparatus 305 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Back part 310 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5. Waist belt 315 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a front view of a back part 400 of a carrying apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure. The example shown includes back part 400, shoulder straps 405, and waist belt 410.

Back part 400 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1-3, and 5. Shoulder straps 405 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5-7. Specifically, the shoulder straps 405 may attach to the back part 400 in a manner configured to lift weight off of the shoulders of a user to attachments points above the shoulders. Waist belt 410 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1-3, and 5.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a back view of a back part 500 of a carrying apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure. The example shown includes back part 500, shoulder straps 505, waist belt 510, and back pocket 515.

Back part 500 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1-4. Shoulder straps 505 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7. Waist belt 510 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a front view of a carrier part 600 of a carrying apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure. The example shown includes carrier part 600, shoulder straps 605, and front pocket 610. An infant may rest in the carrier facing either toward the front or the back. The legs of an infant may extend to the sides, out of the carrier part.

Carrier part 600 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 7. Shoulder straps 605 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a back view of a carrier part 700 of a carrying apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure. The example shown includes carrier part 700 and shoulder straps 705. The carrier part may include interior padding to increase the comfort level of an infant.

Carrier part 700 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6. Shoulder straps 705 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding element or elements described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-6.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a process for manufacturing a carrying apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure. Generally, these operations may be performed according to the methods and processes described in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the operations may be composed of various substeps, or may be performed in conjunction with other operations described herein.

At operation 800, a manufacturing system provides a carrier part configured to support and secure the object adjacent to a front portion of a wearer's abdomen. In some cases, the operations of this step may refer to a carrier part as described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7.

At operation 805, the system provides a substantially rigid back part configured to support the carrier part by transferring weight from the carrier part to a lower back of the wearer, where the back part includes extended portions configured to rise above the wearer's shoulders. In some cases, the operations of this step may refer to a back part as described with reference to FIGS. 1-5.

At operation 810, the system provides one or more shoulder straps configured to transfer weight from the carrier part to one or more corresponding attachment points on the extended portions above the wearer's shoulders. In some cases, the operations of this step may refer to a shoulder straps as described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-7.

Accordingly, the present disclosure includes the following embodiments.

An apparatus for an apparatus for carrying an object in front of the body is described. Embodiments of the apparatus may a carrier part configured to support and secure the object adjacent to a front portion of a user's abdomen, a substantially rigid back part configured to support the carrier part by transferring weight from the carrier part to a lower back of the user, wherein the back part comprises extended portions configured to rise above the user's shoulders, and one or more shoulder straps configured to transfer weight from the carrier part to one or more corresponding attachment points on the extended portions above the user's shoulders.

A method of manufacturing a carrying apparatus is described. The method may include providing a carrier part configured to support and secure the object adjacent to a front portion of a user's abdomen, providing a substantially rigid back part configured to support the carrier part by transferring weight from the carrier part to a lower back of the user, wherein the back part comprises extended portions configured to rise above the user's shoulders, and providing one or more shoulder straps configured to transfer weight from the carrier part to one or more corresponding attachment points on the extended portions above the user's shoulders.

Some examples of the apparatus and method described above may further include a waist belt attached to the back part, wherein the waist belt is configured to transfer weight from the back part onto or just above the hips of the user.

In some examples, the back part includes an adjustable lumbar support. In some examples, the back part is adjustable to match a height or back size of the user. In some examples, the back part is ergonomically curved.

In some examples, the one or more shoulder straps are configured to transfer the weight from the carrier above the shoulders of the user such that the weight from the carrier does not substantially rest on the shoulders of the user. In some examples, the back part comprises a neck gap between the extended portions to prevent the weight from the carrier from being transferred to the user's neck or shoulders.

In some examples, the carrier part comprises a flexible material configured to wrap around at least two sides of the object. In some examples, the carrier part comprises an ergonomic seat configured to support legs of an infant in a spread squat position. In some examples, the carrier part comprises soft interior padding. In some examples, the carrier part comprises a head support portion configured to prevent movement of an infant supported by the carrier part.

In some examples, the carrier part is adjustable to account for different sizes of the object. In some examples, the carrier part is adjustable to a back-carrying position configured to secure and support the object adjacent to the user's back, wherein the back part is located between the carrier part and the user's back in the back-carrying position. Some examples of the apparatus and method described above may further include one or more adjustable foot rest parts configured to support legs of an infant being carrier within the carrier part in the back carrying position.

Some examples of the apparatus and method described above may further include one or more pockets on the back part configured to support additional items. Some examples of the apparatus and method described above may further include a detachable flexible weather cover configured to protect the object supported in the carrier from sun, rain, wind or other weather conditions.

The description and drawings described herein represent example configurations and do not represent all the implementations within the scope of the claims. For example, the operations and steps may be rearranged, combined or otherwise modified. Also, structures and devices may be represented in the form of block diagrams to represent the relationship between components and avoid obscuring the described concepts. Similar components or features may have the same name but may have different reference numbers corresponding to different figures.

Some modifications to the disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

In this disclosure and the following claims, the word “or” indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, the list of X, Y, or Z means X or Y or Z or XY or XZ or YZ or XYZ. Also the phrase “based on” is not used to represent a closed set of conditions. For example, a step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both condition A and condition B. In other words, the phrase “based on” shall be construed to mean “based at least in part on.” Also, the words “a” or “an” indicate “at least one.” 

1. An apparatus for carrying an object, comprising: a carrier part configured to support and secure the object adjacent to a front portion of a user's abdomen; a back part configured to support the carrier part by transferring weight from the carrier part, wherein the back part comprises a rigid ergonomically curved back plate with extended portions configured to rise above the user's shoulders; a waist belt attached to the back part, wherein the waist belt is configured to transfer weight from the back part onto the hips of the user; and one or more shoulder straps configured to transfer weight from the carrier part to one or more corresponding attachment points on the extended portions above the user's shoulders. 2-3. (canceled)
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the one or more shoulder straps are configured to transfer the weight from the carrier above the shoulders of the user.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the back part comprises a neck gap between the extended portions to prevent the weight from the carrier from being transferred to the user's neck or shoulders.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the carrier part comprises a flexible material configured to wrap around at least two sides of the object.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the carrier part comprises an ergonomic seat configured to support legs of an infant in a spread squat position.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the carrier part comprises soft interior padding.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the carrier part comprises a head support portion configured to prevent movement of an infant supported by the carrier part.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the carrier part is adjustable to account for different sizes of the object.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: one or more pockets on the back part configured to support additional items.
 12. A method of manufacturing a carrying an apparatus for carrying an object, the method comprising: providing a carrier part configured to support and secure the object adjacent to a front portion of a user's abdomen; providing a back part configured to support the carrier part by transferring weight from the carrier part, wherein the back part comprises a rigid ergonomically curved back plate with extended portions configured to rise above the user's shoulders; providing a waist belt attached to the back part, wherein the waist belt is configured to transfer weight from the back part onto the hips of the user; and providing one or more shoulder straps configured to transfer weight from the carrier part to one or more corresponding attachment points on the extended portions above the user's shoulders. 13-14. (canceled)
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein: the one or more shoulder straps are configured to transfer the weight from the carrier above the shoulders of the user.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein: the back part comprises a neck gap between the extended portions to prevent the weight from the carrier from being transferred to the user's neck or shoulders.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein: the carrier part comprises a flexible material configured to wrap around at least two sides of the object.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein: the carrier part comprises an ergonomic seat configured to support legs of an infant in a spread squat position.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein: the carrier part is adjustable to a back-carrying position configured to secure and support the object adjacent to the user's back, wherein the back part is located between the carrier part and the user's back in the back-carrying position.
 20. The method of claim 12, the method further comprising: providing one or more pockets on the back part configured to support additional items. 